Bill Charles, 87, passed away Friday, February 26, 2021, from cancer at HopeWest Hospice. Bill was born on May 5, 1933 in Montrose, Colorado to John and Nora (Paxton) Charles. Bill married Cathy Charles (Smith) "my million dollar wife... and that's after taxes", on June 21, 1954. They were married 66 years. Bill grew up in Montrose and Ouray. He played basketball and football for Ouray High School, graduating in 1951. He worked at the Idarado Mine in Ouray until he was drafted into the United States Army in 1953. He served as a radar technician in Thule, Greenland until his honorable discharge in 1955. He returned to Ouray and work at the Campbird Mine as a lab technician. He later...

Our father, Jack Carter, met the love of his life, Melba Marie Beckman, at a "Mat Dance" their freshman year at BYU. She swept him off his feet with her bright smile and curly, honey colored tresses. Thus began a courtship that lasted through his deployment in the army during WW2 and continued when he returned to Utah where they were married on April 5, 1946. Melba was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on September 10, 1924, to Leonard Victor Beckman and Ivy Marie Walker. Her father was an engineer whose career took them across the U.S. from Southern California to New York. Melba graduated from Brigham Young University where she studied home economics and art. She used her new skills...

Jared Martinez, 22, of Grand Junction, was killed on Saturday, February 20, in Grand Junction, Colorado. He was a victim of random violence. Jared was born in Bordentown, New Jersey, where he spent most of his life. He also lived in Miami and Grand Junction, Colorado. Jared was a kind soul and instant friend to all who met him. He was always willing to lend a hand. His last act was shielding a friend from the gunman who committed this senseless act. Jared was preceded in death by his mother, Sally (Carei) Martinez. He is survived by his father, Augustine Martinez; sister, Samantha; brother, Liam; and grandmother, Piedad Robertson. He will be missed by his many aunts, uncles and...

Elaine Masker Robinson, 84, passed away on Saturday, February 20, 2021 in her home in Grand Junction, Colorado. Born in Stafford Springs, Connecticut on September 7, 1936, she was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth Bruce Masker and Lester Masker, and sister Madelyn Masker Luce. Elaine married Gordon Robinson in April of 1955 in Tolland, Connecticut. They moved to White Rock, New Mexico in 1975, where she fell in love with the west. Elaine greatly enjoyed her work as an international travel agent and was an avid world traveler before she and Gordon retired in Grand Junction in 1994. Elaine was a vivacious, fun-loving person who worked hard and spent hours, almost...

Eva Kaufman was born in Cameo, Colorado on October 12, 1937 to Johanna Pappas and Dick Pappas. She passed away on February 14, 2021 joining her husband, Fred Kaufman, who passed away in 2014. Eva got her education in Grand Junction and graduated from Palisade High School. She married Fred Kaufman May 26, 1961. Eva worked at McCoy Caterpillar Co. and then at Public Service for 25 years. While there she started the Eyes and Ears program. She was also involved in helping United Way. When she answered the telephone there her voice was as bright and wonderful as her smile was in person. She and Fred loved airplanes and flew others to their destinations as well as flying to many different...

Marvin A. Svaldi, a petroleum engineer and resident of Loma, Colorado, died peacefully at his home early morning, February 13, 2021 at 82 years old. Marvin is survived by his son, Tony Svaldi; his two grandchildren, Charlotte Svaldi and Logan Svaldi; his five siblings, Vince Svaldi, Dennis Svaldi, David Svaldi, Mary Svaldi, and Greg Svaldi. Marvin was born in Silverton, Colorado August 20, 1938 to Anthony Svaldi and Agnes Jessey. He graduated from Colorado School of Mines with a master's degree in petroleum engineering and worked as an engineer at Marathon Oil Company. He was married to Deanna Akers, a craftswoman, for 43 years before she died in 2001. On December 15, 1976, he welcomed his...

Leslie Leonore (Riddle) Sage passed away peacefully at her home in Grand Junction, Colorado on January 31, 2021; after a lengthy illness. Leslie was born March 11, 1953 to Robert Ira and Yvonne (Bonnie) Riddle in Norwood, Colorado. She was the second of four children. Leslie was raised on the family ranch at Bedrock, Colorado. She attended elementary school in Paradox, Junior High in Naturita, and graduated in 1971 from Nucla High School. During her youth she was active in 4-H and cheerleading. On June 6, 1971 she married Eldon Lester Sage. Eldon joined the Army in 1972, and during this time they lived in Oklahoma, Hawaii, and Alaska, returning to Grand Junction, Colorado at the end...

Dick Pittman passed away on January 30, 2021 at HopeWest in Grand Junction with his wife, Lynda, and his son, Lloyd, by his side. Born in Denver to Lloyd and Marion Pittman, the family soon moved to Gunnison, CO, where Dick spent his childhood. A 1961 graduate of Gunnison High School, Dick worked in his parents Ford garage, Pittman Motors, during high school and for several years afterwards. He then enlisted in the Navy and Dick and his high school sweetheart, Lynda Dixon, married on April 5, 1965, shortly after Dick finished boot camp in San Diego. Dick and Lynda moved to Georgia, where he received Air Traffic Controller training and their son, Lloyd, was born. Back across country the...

Amy A. Hodson, daughter of Aaron W. and Janie (McColl) Beck was born October 8, 1923 and passed away January 25, 2021. She was 97 years old. She was a wonderful Mom, Grandma, friend and homemaker. Amy attended grade school in the Waldo, Kansas area and graduated from Waldo High School in 1941. She married Edwin E. Hodson of Osborne, Kansas on June 17, 1944. To this union two sons were born, Rodrick and Bruce. Edwin passed away on July 30, 2010. Amy was a member of the Northeast Christian Church in Grand Junction, CO. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin; her parents; three sisters, Sarah, Ruth and Oma; six brothers, Glen, Harold, Donald, Eugene, John and Dean. She is survived...

Our loving Paul J. Wilson, passed on January 25, 2021. His huge, loving, caring, sensitive and happy heart stopped beating; leaving a hole in the hearts of those whose lives he was a part of. He loved fishing and camping, being with family and friends, listening to all types of music, movies and cooking. He was a fantastic father to his daughter, Emma Piper Wilson, son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend. His happy-go-lucky and loving attitude will be deeply missed. He is survived by his parents; Frank and Rene Wilson, daughter; Emma, Siblings; Randy, Melanie and Jim, Toni and Shane. There are too many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews to list. A memorial will be held later this...

Gene passed away at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born in Denver, CO on August 30, 1940. The family moved to Grand Junction, CO in 1950. He retired from Community Hospital in 2009. Gene attended school in Grand Junction. He went into the service, serving in the Army, in 1959. He was sent to Germany. Gene was a beloved, kind person to all. He was a really, really great guy and would do anything for anyone. He loved Alaska and visiting relatives there. He lived there for a while and enjoyed it greatly. He was a faithful Bronco fan! He was preceded in death by his parents, Mel and Isabel Lovato; 2 brothers, Steve and Al Lovato of California. He is survived by 3 sisters, Viola Lovato; his twin...

Mike "El Supremo" McInaney was born on September 30, 1938 in Denver, CO and adopted as an infant by Michael and Ethyl McInaney. He grew up in Colorado Springs, living the outdoor life of hunting, fishing and jeeping. He stated he couldn't live anywhere but Colorado as he would fall over if he didn't have the mountains to lean on. He graduated from Saint Mary's High School in 1956 and enlisted in the army. He was proud of his service as a military policeman and was stationed for three years in Germany. On discharge, he landed his first job with Davis Bro. Drug Wholesale Co., licking off a career as a salesman. He had the gift of blarney and loved to socialize. He married his wife, Kathleen...

Gordon L. Vetter, 88, of Fruita, Colorado, passed away on Sunday, January 17, 2021 at his home of natural causes. He was born February 16, 1932 in Cripple Creek, CO, the son of the late Lee and Grace Vetter of Ft. Lupton, Colorado. Gordon was a graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in business and a U.S. Army veteran. His early education prepared him for a career in pharmaceutical sales with the prestigious Smith, Klein & French company. After a 30 year employment with Smith Klein, he earned the position of National Sales Director eventually locating in Philadelphia with his young family. Upon retirement in 1985, Gordon, his wife Linda and daughter Carol moved back to...

Glennadean (Surratt) Maurin finished her lifelong path of caring and nursing others on January 15, 2021. Glenna was born in Denver, Colorado, on November 8, 1939. The youngest of four sisters (Louise, Eula, and Odelia), she grew up in that city and started as a "candy striper" at the age of 12. Glenna attended Immanuel School of Nursing in Omaha, Nebraska, graduating in 1961. Throughout her career, she was involved with nursing in virtually every category and across a large swath of this country, from Texas to North Dakota, with much of her effort spent in Grand Junction, Colorado. Glennadean met and married Edward Maurin on November 9, 1962. Their lifelong union lasted for 52 years before...

Melvin J. Ertz of Grand Junction, Colorado -- beloved husband, father, and baptized child of God -- was taken to rest in Christ on January 11, 2021, at Paonia Care Center. He lived a life shaped by God's gifts of baptismal grace and faith, and died in God's promises of eternal life for all who trust in Jesus' redeeming death and resurrection. Mel was born on October 15, 1948 to Louie and Georgia Ertz in Gregory, South Dakota. As an infant, he was baptized into salvation and faith in Jesus on October 24, 1948, in Butte, Nebraska. He and Jeanette were married in December 1971, and remained so for over 49 years. Mel was under the care of the memory unit at Paonia Care Center since October...

Herbert Lee Bacon passed away on Wednesday, the 6th of January, 2021, in Grand Junction, at the age of 90. He was born January 24, 1930, in Bird City, Kansas, to E.L. and Oma Bacon. He studied economics at the University of Colorado where he received a bachelor's degree in 1951 and a master's degree in 1953. He married his wife, Laura May, on August 31, 1951, and moved to Grand Junction in 1952 to join his father E. L. and brother, LeRoy, at the US Bank at 4th & Main. He held several positions, including chairman, president and CEO during his nearly four decades as a banker. He retired on December 31, 1989, after several mergers and name-changes over the years. He continued as a...

Kay was a healthy, spry 83 year young lady. She was amazing! Born in Garden City, KS to Bus and Hazel Hale. The family moved when Kay was a young girl to Glenwood Springs, CO in 1940 then to Grand Junction, CO. Kay Married John Lynch of Fruita on April 1, 1956, they divorced in 1975. Five children were added to this couple in the 19 years of marriage: Larry (Teri), Burns, CO, Louie (Linda) Valparaiso, NE, Teri (Brad) Uphoff Fruita, CO; Tami Fruita, CO. and Lonny Fruita, CO. Kay attended Grand Junction High School, but was forever the biggest FMHS Wildcat fan, cheering on all her children in the sports endeavors! Kay was a softball player, skier, hiker, knitter, Bronco fan and a true...

Carrie Macon Jouflas, 63, passed away on January 1st, 2021 in Arvada, Colorado after a years long battle with FrontoTemporal Dementia. Carrie was born October 3rd 1957 Baltimore, Maryland to Robert and Ines Macon. She graduated Franklin and Marshall University with a Bachelors in English and from George Washington University with a Masters in Hospital Administration. She was an avid reader and an excellent writer and a lover of puzzle and card games. Over her lifetime Carrie has cared for many people either with her work as an educator in type A behavioral modification, hospital administration at NIH or her day to day compassion as a mother and friend. She is preceded in death by her...

June Scroggins, a devoted wife and mother, went to be with her Heavenly Father on December 31, 2020. She was 94 years old. Ruth June Green was born June 19, 1926 in Doxey, Beckham County, Oklahoma to Rufus Henry (Ruf) Green and Della Smith Green. She was the fourteenth of fifteen children. June grew up in a farming family, and she related many stories of proudly working in the fields alongside her father, since she preferred that work to helping around the house. Her dad purchased a piano for his musical family, and June, mentored by her sisters, learned to play at an early age. Throughout her life, she shared her love of music both at home and in church. She possessed an amazing...

Kenneth Martin Porter passed away peacefully at his home on December 29, 2020 in Grand Junction, CO. He was 97 years old. He was born August 14, 1923 in Siloam Springs, AR to Alexander and Edna Porter. He was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita A. Porter on December 14, 2020; his sisters, Dorothy Christenson and Alice Zimmerman; and 1 brother, Morris Porter. He is survived by his niece, Trisha Roy; great-nephews, Scott Crosby and AJ Chacon; and his brother Wallace Porter. Kenneth moved to Carlsbad, NM in 1933. He graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1941. He then enlisted in the USAF after Pearl Harbor in 1942. Ken was commissioned 2nd Lt. in March 1943, he was a basic flight...

A fine man in the eyes of God, the community, and our country has gone to his Lord and Savior. Ralph William Seeley, the oldest of 3 children, was born on January 11, 1920 in Winfield, Kansa to Ira and Stella Seeley. At just 10 years old, Ralph moved with his family to Colorado to homestead on Glade Park. Ralph attended the Pipeline School on Glade Park, graduating from the 8th grade in 1935. He went on to attend Appleton High School where he graduated in 1939. Ralph loved Western Colorado and made it his home, but Glade Park always held a special place in his heart. After he retired, Ralph moved back to Glade Park and, with the help of his sons, built his retirement home there. It was a...